07 February 2004	Saturday	15 Zilhaj 1424

MELBOURNE, Feb 6: South Africa's Ernie Els followed his first round 60 with a six-under-par 66 on Friday to open up a seven-shot lead at the Classic at Royal Melbourne.

The defending champion was unable to match his spectacular performance on the opening day when he came within a whisker of golf's magical 59, yet still produced a record total for 36 holes.

His 18-under-par total of 126 was one stroke off the European Tour record low score of 125 but his 18-under was the best score to par after two rounds."That was a good day's work, I thought," Els said.

"I played a little safer today. The course is showing some teeth today and I think the breeze is picking up too. "I felt that the flags were more difficult today."

Playing the back nine first, Els went out in 34 making birdies on the 10th and 15th holes. The world number three picked up another four strokes on the way home, including birdies at each of the last three holes.

"I am looking forward to this weekend. I want to keep going," said Els, bidding to win the tournament for the third year running. "I want to keep doing what I am doing and maybe tomorrow try to get my irons closer to the flag."

Australian left-hander Richard Green moved into second place on 11-under after firing a 67, one shot clear of Adam Scott and Peter Fowler who carded matching rounds of 68.

Scott played in the same group as Els and said the South African was playing as well as world number one Tiger Woods. Green made 66 on Thursday and added seven birdies in the second round. He finished with a 67 after two bogeys on the back nine.

Leading second round scores:

126 Ernie Els (South Africa) 60 66

133 Richard Green 66 67

134 Adam Scott 66 68, Peter Fowler 66 68

135 Peter O'Malley 66 69, Gareth Paddison (New Zealand) 67 68, Mahal Pearce (New Zealand) 65 70

136 Ian Poulter (Britain) 68 68, Scott Gardiner 69 67, Stephen Gallacher (Britain) 68 68, Michael Campbell (New Zealand) 64 72

137 David Howell (Britain) 68 69, Miles Tunnicliff (Britain) 69 68, Peter Senior 70 67, Peter Hanson (Sweden) 67 70, David McKenzie 70 67. -Reuters